Tucked into a peaceful spot on the Yarra River and within easy walking distance of the hotel, the Royal Botanic Gardens were reclaimed from swampland from 1846 onwards. Today, the rolling green parkland is planted with 50,000 rare flowers, bushes and trees from across the world and populated with wildlife thriving in the wetland and bamboo forests. It’s heaven for children, with playgrounds, guided walks and Victorian hothouses containing delicate plants. A key landmark is the Shrine of Remembrance, which honours the Australian forces who served in the First World War.